HomeSS 3Christian Religious StudiesThe Holy Spirit at Pentecost – Meaning, Events, and Significance

The Holy Spirit at Pentecost – Meaning, Events, and Significance

Christian Religious Studies SS 3 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 1

The Holy Spirit at Pentecost

Lesson Details

  • Subject: Christian Religious Studies
  • Class: SS 3
  • Term: Second Term
  • Week: 1
  • Age: 15 – 18 years
  • Topic: The Holy Spirit at Pentecost
  • Sub-topics:
    1. The Promise of the Holy Spirit – Acts 1:8
    2. The Coming of the Holy Spirit – Acts 2:1-13
    3. Peter’s Sermon – Acts 2:14-41
  • Duration: 40 Minutes

Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

  1. Explain the promise of the Holy Spirit as given by Jesus.
  2. Describe the events of Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit.
  3. Discuss Peter’s sermon and its impact on the early church.
  4. Analyze the significance of the Holy Spirit in the life of Christians.
  5. Explain how the Holy Spirit empowers believers for Christian living.

Keywords

  • Pentecost – A Jewish feast that occurred 50 days after Passover.
  • Holy Spirit – The third person of the Trinity, promised by Jesus.
  • Speaking in tongues – The ability to speak in different languages by the power of the Holy Spirit.
  • Baptism of the Holy Spirit – The moment when believers receive the Holy Spirit.
  • Repentance – Turning away from sin to follow God.

Set Induction

The teacher begins the lesson by asking students:

  • Have you ever experienced or heard of an event that changed people’s lives completely?
  • What do you know about the Holy Spirit?

The teacher then introduces the lesson by explaining how the coming of the Holy Spirit transformed the early believers and empowered them for ministry.

Entry Behaviour

Students should have a basic knowledge of Jesus’ resurrection and ascension.

Learning Resources and Materials

  1. The Holy Bible (Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-41)
  2. Pictures or diagrams illustrating Pentecost
  3. A short video clip (if available) on the Pentecost event
  4. Flashcards with key points

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have learned about Jesus’ resurrection and His final instructions to His disciples. This lesson builds on that by introducing the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise about the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Embedded Core Skills

  • Critical Thinking: Analyzing the impact of the Holy Spirit on the early church.
  • Communication: Discussing and interpreting biblical texts.
  • Collaboration: Engaging in group discussions.

Reference Books

  1. The Holy Bible (Acts 1:8, Acts 2:1-41)
  2. Lagos State Scheme of Work
  3. Comprehensive Christian Religious Knowledge for SS 1-3 by Martins I. Amaechi

Instructional Materials

  • Bible
  • Chart showing the events of Pentecost
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Flashcards with key events

Lesson Content

1. The Promise of the Holy Spirit – Acts 1:8

Before His ascension, Jesus promised His disciples that they would receive the Holy Spirit. He said:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8

Key Points:

  1. The Holy Spirit was promised to empower the disciples.
  2. The disciples were to be witnesses of Jesus throughout the world.
  3. The Holy Spirit would give them boldness to preach the gospel.
  4. This promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost.

2. The Coming of the Holy Spirit – Acts 2:1-13

On the day of Pentecost, the disciples were gathered in one place when the Holy Spirit descended upon them.

Events of Pentecost:

  1. A sound like a mighty wind filled the house.
  2. Tongues of fire appeared and rested on each disciple.
  3. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages.
  4. People from different nations heard them speaking in their native languages.
  5. The crowd was amazed, but some mocked them, saying they were drunk.

Significance of Pentecost:

  • It marked the birth of the Christian Church.
  • It showed the power of the Holy Spirit in believers’ lives.
  • It fulfilled Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit.
  • It enabled the disciples to preach the gospel with boldness.

3. Peter’s Sermon – Acts 2:14-41

After the crowd questioned what was happening, Peter stood up and explained that the event was the fulfillment of prophecy.

Key Points from Peter’s Sermon:

  1. It was the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy (Joel 2:28-32) – that God would pour out His Spirit on all people.
  2. Jesus was the Messiah – Peter declared that Jesus, who was crucified, had risen from the dead.
  3. Repentance and Baptism – Peter called on the people to repent and be baptized in Jesus’ name.
  4. About 3,000 people accepted the message and were baptized.

Impact of Peter’s Sermon:

  • Many believed and became followers of Christ.
  • The Christian church grew rapidly.
  • The disciples gained confidence in preaching.
  • The Holy Spirit’s power was evident in their boldness and miracles.

Examples of the Holy Spirit’s Work in Believers Today

  1. Guiding Christians in making decisions.
  2. Giving boldness to preach the gospel.
  3. Helping believers live holy lives.
  4. Providing spiritual gifts like prophecy, healing, and wisdom.
  5. Comforting and strengthening believers in difficult times.

Evaluation

Fill in the blanks (choose a, b, c, or d):

  1. Jesus promised His disciples the Holy Spirit in ______.
    a) Matthew 28:19
    b) John 3:16
    c) Acts 1:8
    d) Genesis 1:1
  2. The Holy Spirit came on the disciples during the feast of ______.
    a) Passover
    b) Tabernacles
    c) Pentecost
    d) Atonement
  3. When the Holy Spirit came, the disciples spoke in ______.
    a) Unknown words
    b) Different languages
    c) Hebrew only
    d) Sign language
  4. Peter’s sermon led to the conversion of ______ people.
    a) 100
    b) 500
    c) 1,000
    d) 3,000
  5. The coming of the Holy Spirit fulfilled the prophecy of ______.
    a) Isaiah
    b) Joel
    c) Ezekiel
    d) Jeremiah

Class Activity Discussion – FAQs

  1. What is the Holy Spirit?
    • The third person of the Trinity, promised by Jesus.
  2. What is Pentecost?
    • A Jewish feast that took place 50 days after Passover.
  3. Why was the Holy Spirit given to the disciples?
    • To empower them to preach the gospel.
  4. How did people react to the disciples speaking in tongues?
    • Some were amazed, while others mocked them.
  5. How many people were saved after Peter’s sermon?
    • About 3,000 people.

Teacher’s and Learners’ Activities

  • Teacher’s Activities:
    • Read Acts 2:1-41 with students.
    • Explain the significance of the Holy Spirit’s coming.
    • Discuss Peter’s sermon and its impact.
  • Learners’ Activities:
    • Answer questions about Pentecost.
    • Discuss how the Holy Spirit works today.
    • Role-play Peter’s sermon.

Conclusion

The Holy Spirit’s coming at Pentecost marked the beginning of the Christian church. It empowered believers to spread the gospel and live holy lives.

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